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Definition of Bruxism

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Updated: February 12, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: The unconscious or involuntary act of clenching or grinding teeth that often occurs while asleep during periods of stress. The word comes from the Greek brychein, which means gnashing of teeth. It can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain and headaches.
Pronunciation: bruck-si-zem
Examples: When I am stressed out my bruxism is worse and I wake up with sore jaws.
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